Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, a member of the legal team of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has defended his team’s decision to withdraw its services in the ongoing criminal proceedings, insisting that they have not abandoned their client.
Speaking in court, Lawyer Appiah-Kubi explained that the decision was guided by legal procedure and previous judicial precedents, arguing that although civil and criminal procedures are different, certain principles adopted by the courts can apply where appropriate.
He cited the case of Republic v Dufour, where he said the courts adopted aspects of case management from civil procedure for use in judicial proceedings.
According to him, this established a practice that allows principles from one area of law to be considered in another where they are suitable.
Lawyer Appiah-Kubi also referred to a recent matter involving Mrs. Getwi Tokonu and the Attorney General’s Office of Ghana, where he said the court rejected a lawyer’s letter informing it of a withdrawal of services, describing the approach as procedurally inappropriate.
He explained that the legal team took guidance from that decision and chose to formally explain its position to the court, the parties involved, and the public.
“We believe that as a court of records, we should properly inform the court of the reasons why we are withdrawing our services and also inform all parties of such reasoning,” he said.
The lawyer maintained that despite the intention to withdraw, the team has continued to represent Chairman Wontumi and has not abandoned him.
He said the legal team remained present in court and continued to announce its representation of the accused person, adding that any withdrawal would take effect after the necessary formal steps are completed.
“Indeed, part of the argument of the court was that we did not serve our client, the accused person. But it is demonstrable, even in the court, that notwithstanding our intention to withdraw, we have stayed glued to our client even till today,” Lawyer Appiah-Kubi stated.
He added that the filing of a formal notice of withdrawal would allow Chairman Wontumi the opportunity to engage new counsel if necessary.
Responding to suggestions that the legal team had abandoned the accused person, Lawyer Appiah-Kubi rejected the claim, saying the relationship between the lawyers and their client remained intact.
“Do you see any abandonment in the relationship that I have with my client? The answer is no. I have not abandoned him,” he said.
He further explained that the decision to formally notify the court was aimed at ensuring transparency and allowing the court to understand the circumstances surrounding the disengagement.
The lawyer said the team would continue to act in the interest of Chairman Wontumi until the formal withdrawal process is completed.
